The winter holiday season is a busy time, overflowing with festive family gatherings, parties and shows. As a result, it is not uncommon for jobseekers to put their search for new work opportunities on hold until the new year. However, if individuals are desperate to start a new job, they should take a career test, peruse online postings and do whatever else they have to throughout the holiday season and they might just get lucky.

Companies stay open in December
While many workers take time off around the holidays, this does not mean companies completely shut down come December 1. MonsterCollege reminds jobseekers that employees are still being paid to work during the month, which means those charged with hiring are still looking for qualified candidates. At the same time, the career website states that some businesses may have to spend money, meet budget deadlines or recruitment needs before the end of the year. For this reason, the idea that no hiring takes place around the holidays is a myth determined jobseekers will want to ignore.

A wonderful time of the year - for jobseekers
From the point of view of Laura M. Labovich, the president of The Career Strategy Group, December is not a good time to look for work - it is the "perfect" time.

"Contrary to popular belief, shelving a job search in advance of the approaching holiday season is simply not a good New Year's resolution," Labovich said in a press release.

Labovich believes there are a few advantages jobseekers have during the holiday season that they do not have at other times of the year.

More parties means more opportunities
Jobseekers do not need to celebrate Christmas in order to attend a party that celebrates it, or any other winter holiday. Labovich said that these gatherings provide an opportunity to network and make new professional connections. She advises jobseekers to attend parties with an idea of how they can help others, as people are more likely to offer career assistance if it will be mutually beneficial.

Volunteering could open the doors to new opportunities
Many organizations seek volunteers during the holiday season. When individuals lend their time and effort as a volunteer, they have a chance to network with others, and possibly become a candidate for a position with the organization they are working with. Volunteer work also looks great on a resume.